Focus: SOAKES

Who are you and where are you from? 
The pseudonym I’m currently running with is SOAKES. I’m formerly known as Arcane Soakes, although I may change it back but I might not also. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland; currently residing in Newcastle – I came here for uni a handful of years ago and just stayed put because the music scene is so strong. And I like looking at the bridges. 

What is it you do? 
I’m a rapper, I scavenge the internet for nice-sounding instrumentals that I like, I write to them, and sometimes even record! 

How long have you been doing it? 
I started young, probably too young. I used to go onto a website called MetroLyrics and copy and paste T-Pain bars and change them slightly. My neighbour and I would beat an old cardboard box like a drum and loudly chant these lyrics in unison, much to the dismay of the other residents of the street. That was my introduction to writing; I was probably around ten or eleven. I kept evolving and began to release content into the public domain many years later. 

What inspires you? 
The sun, the rain, socialisation, solitude, interviews of dead writers like Bukowski and Joseph Campbell, other nerds who have built a following for themselves in rap, sleep. But mainly just foraging online for beats. As soon as a certain melody catches my ear I break out the google docs and my fingers take over. 

Tell us about your music. 
I try to keep my songs sonically pleasing whilst still maintaining substantive lyrics. Mostly I write introspectively, using the process as a form of therapy almost; analysing where I currently am in life with regards to jobs, relationships with those around me and my overall perspective on the human condition. Occasionally, I will indulge in more braggadocious tracks just for fun. They tend to get a stronger reception. The introspection is for me. I’m selfish. 

What have you got coming up in the future? 
My next release is on June 27th; it’s called SCUMB, Pt.2; part one was released in late April. It is a mix of aforementioned introspection and braggadocio. That’s where the name comes from. Combining the idea of being ‘numb’ at times; being miserable and in “my feels” as the kids say, with being scum; destroying everything around me in fits of rage. Showing both sides of my psyche. I sing quite a lot on this too. I’ve been told to sing more.

Where can people find out more about you? 
All major streaming platforms, just search ‘SOAKES’, also @arcanesoakes on Instagram. I also release my music videos on youtube which is ArcaneSOAKES. I run a podcast on there too. You don’t have to listen to that. Peace!